Silversea Expedition Cruises To CRUISE HUBBARD GLACIER (Alaska)

Hubbard Glacier, off the coast of Yakutat, Alaska, is the largest glacier in North America, with a calving front that is more than six miles wide. One of the main sources for Hubbard Glacier originates 76 mi inland. It has been a very active glacier, experiencing two major surges in the past 30 years. This glacier was named after Gardiner Greene Hubbard, a U.S. lawyer, financier, and philanthropist. He was the first president of the National Geographic Society.

An Introduction to Silversea Expeditions

“Voyage of a lifetime” does not even begin to describe a Silversea Expedition experience. Imagine the comfort and intimacy of our ships, coupled with the most intriguing, far-flung destinations on earth. With over 590 destinations on all 7 continents, this is expedition cruising at its finest. Our uniquely curated itineraries with excursions adapted to individual ability and interest cater to all, while our knowledgeable and enthusiastic experts lead the way. Butler service, highest crew to guest ration in the industry and all-inclusivity make a Silversea Expedition cruise like nothing you have ever experienced.

Excursions in CRUISE HUBBARD GLACIER (Alaska)

All tours are operated by expert drivers/guides on our stable and incredibly reliable MK6 zodiacs. With a maximum of only 12 guests per boat, there is plenty of room for everyone to view wildlife and other features of interest from all angles.

Hubbard Glacier is fed by an ice field that extends 122km inland. This is one of the few glaciers on earth that isn't retreating, in fact, it's actually advancing.

Upon boarding the zodiacs, your professional guide/driver will take you on a gentle cruise around Disenchantment Bay. You will continue deeper into the fjord passing ice that has calved from the glacier front. These ice pieces can vary greatly in size, from tiny fragments to blocks the size of multistory buildings. With safety our number one priority, your expert driver will lead you as close as safely possible to within a few hundred yards of the glacier, where you may hear cracks and groans due to the extreme pressure. If you're really lucky, you may even witness a carving.

Keep your eyes peeled for marine life such as seals and sea otters. A number of species of seabirds are known to frequent this area. You may even see the majestic Bald Eagle.

Please note: Although no walking is required, guests must be able to manoeuvre in and out of the zodiac which involves a high step. Ocean ride involves fast acceleration and the ride might be bumpy. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, back/neck/hip problems, those who are pregnant or suffer from motion sickness or guests who utilise a wheelchair. Participants must be a minimum of 6 years of age. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Lifejackets are provided. Child lifejackets are available. Dress in thermal layers, wear waterproof pants and jacket and sturdy comfortable shoes. You may be splashed. Space is limited. Guests must book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Bring your camera and binocular. It is recommended to have electronic equipment sealed in waterproof bags, in case of rain or spray. This zodiac tour is operated and guided by a team of guides/naturalists who will be sailing with you onboard the Silver Muse and is available exclusively on voyages 6911, 6912 and 6913.

Explore the rugged beauty of Disenchantment Bay, offering awe-inspiring views of the Hubbard Glacier the incredible opportunity for wildlife sightings. Stretching 10 miles at the head of Yakatut Bay, Disenchantment Bay was given its name by Spanish Explorer Alessandro Malaspina in 1792 to convey the disappointment felt when it was discovered that this was not in fact the entrance to the Northwest Passage.

The adventure begins as soon as you board our Alaskan-built vessel directly from your ship in the mouth of Disenchantment Bay. Receive guided narration by the on-board naturalist and your captain as they introduce you to the vessel and to the region you are touring today.

As you weave through the matrix of stunning icebergs in the bay in your agile ship, understand their connection to the massive Hubbard Glacier as it calves and grows; unlike many glaciers that are receding, Hubbard is still advancing as it has done for over a century. The Hubbard has received the affectionate name "The Galloping Glacier" as at times it advances as quickly as 2 meters per day. As you journey, there is the option to stay on deck or retreat to the comfortable, heated cabin with plenty of window views as you receive commentary by captain and crew.

Conditions permitting, will navigate the narrow waterway between Haenke Island and the mainland, which is known for offering splendid chances of wildlife sightings. Lucky guests may spot harbor seals, orca and humpback whales, bald eagles, and even mountain goats along the shore.

After making your way through the narrow channel, enjoy a chance to observe Hubbard Glacier up close, travelling parallel to the face of the majestic glacier with plenty of opportunities for unforgettable photos and video footage. Referred to as a "river of ice," the Hubbard is very active on a regular basis, and it is possible to see impressive displays of calving.

Your onboard naturalist and crew are available for explanation and narration as you travel amidst the glacially-carved coastlines. Enjoy the yawning expanses of spruce and hemlock trees, snowcapped mountains, and of course the majestic glacier, and on a clear day in this temperate rainforest, you may even have the opportunity to view Mount St. Elias, the second tallest peak in the United States.

Visit the galley to warm up with a complimentary hot beverage, a selection of food for purchase, and a collection of unique "Made In Alaska" gifts throughout the journey.

Disembark your tour vessel and reboard the ship.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of activity, however a good level of agility is required, while there is little walking involved, participants must be able to negotiate transit of a narrow, moderately steep gangway with only minor assistance to embark and disembark the tour vessel. Guests suffering from motion sickness are recommended to take Dramamine well in advance of tour. Guests are recommended to wear warm wool or fleece layers, a waterproof jacket, hat, gloves and comfortable shoes for walking, and to bring camera and cash or credit card for food or souvenir purchases. Space on this tour is limited; you may need to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed. This tour operates in a remote wilderness area, where weather and ice conditions can alter both the duration and route of the journey, including shipside embarkation/disembarkation areas.

Hubbard Glacier is fed by an ice field that extends 122km inland. This is one of the few glaciers on earth that isn't retreating, in fact, it's actually advancing.

Your adventure begins with an on-board equipment and safety orientation by your guides. You'll then depart from the ship by Zodiac, and embark your kayak in a safe location.

Once in the kayaks, you will slowly and gently paddle your way around the coast of Disenchantment Bay. You will continue deeper into the fjord passing ice that has calved from the glacier front. These ice pieces can vary greatly in size, from tiny fragments to blocks the size of multistory buildings. With safety our number one priority, your expert guides will lead you as close as safely possible the glacier, where you may hear cracks and moans due to the extreme pressure. If you're really lucky, on a clear day, you may even witness a calving.

Keep your eyes peeled for marine life such as seals and sea otters. A number of species of seabirds are known to frequent this area. You may even see the majestic Bald Eagle.

Please note: This tour is recommended only for guests in good physical condition and requires up to 60-minutes of paddling. Although no walking is required, guests must be able to climb into the transfer Zodiac and to lift their own weight to transfer from the Zodiac into the kayak and vice versa. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair, and for guests who suffer from bodily injuries which prevents the movement of all joints. Tour is conducted in 2-person kayaks, in groups of up to 6 kayaks. Lifejacket, dry suit, Neoprene booties, gloves, and dry bags are provided. Maximum available dry suit size is XXL. We suggest you wear warm, comfortable, flexible clothing to wear under the dry suit. Wear long-sleeved thermal layers, a warm hat with a brim, sunglasses, propylene, wool, silk or synthetic clothing (not cotton as it has poor heat retention when it is damp or wet). The minimum age to participate is 16 years. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Guests must be able to speak conversational English in order to understand safety instructions. Some prior kayaking experience is required to participate in this activity. Binoculars, cameras and UV protection are recommended. We strongly suggest to book well in advance as space is very limited. This kayak tour is operated and guided by a team of guides/naturalists who will be sailing with you onboard the Silver Muse.

SEYMOUR NARROWS (British Columbia)

SITKA (Alaska)

WRANGEL (Alaska)

An Introduction to Silversea Expeditions

“Voyage of a lifetime” does not even begin to describe a Silversea Expedition experience. Imagine the comfort and intimacy of our ships, coupled with the most intriguing, far-flung destinations on earth. With over 590 destinations on all 7 continents, this is expedition cruising at its finest. Our uniquely curated itineraries with excursions adapted to individual ability and interest cater to all, while our knowledgeable and enthusiastic experts lead the way. Butler service, highest crew to guest ration in the industry and all-inclusivity make a Silversea Expedition cruise like nothing you have ever experienced.